Turkish consul bids farewell to Western Thrace after nearly 40 years of public service

A farewell reception was held for Adnan Öztürk, Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Türkiye in Gümülcine (Komotini), as he prepares to retire after nearly four decades of public service.

Hosted by Consul General Aykut Ünal at the Consulate General in Gümülcine (Komotini), the event brought together representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish community, including Gümülcine (Komotini) Mufti İbrahim Şerif, Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat, İskeçe (Xanthi) MP Hüseyin Zeybek and Friendship, Equality and Peace Party (DEB) President Çiğdem Asafoğlu.

Ünal praises Öztürk’s dedication
Speaking at the farewell event, Consul General Aykut Ünal highlighted his long-standing professional and personal relationship with Öztürk, saying he had consistently carried out his responsibilities with great dedication.

Ünal said they first began working together in 2014 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara and developed a strong professional and personal bond over the years.

He also recalled Öztürk’s service in Baghdad, where he became a respected figure among Turkmen and Iraqis, and praised his contributions during his assignment in Western Thrace.

Noting that Öztürk will complete nearly 40 years of public service at the end of September, Ünal praised his work ethic and said his contributions would not be forgotten.

“He always worked as if he had just received his first posting,” Ünal said, adding that Öztürk would always be remembered with affection in the region. He also thanked him for his service and wished him health and peace in his retirement.

Mufti Şerif: “He leaves as Adnan Baba”
Gümülcine (Komotini) Mufti İbrahim Şerif also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Öztürk, describing his return to Western Thrace as a reunion with an old friend.

Şerif said Öztürk was known within the community for his warm and sincere personality and noted the significance of his being affectionately known as “Adnan Baba” among members of the Western Thrace Turkish community.

“He was a humble person who respected others and was always close to the community,” Şerif said, wishing Öztürk health, peace and a long and happy life after his retirement.

Öztürk: “I am taking beautiful memories with me”
Speaking at the farewell reception, Öztürk thanked Consul General Ünal and his colleagues for organizing the event.

As he approaches the end of his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öztürk said leaving Western Thrace was not easy for him.

He said he had received affection, respect and friendship from the Turkish community throughout his assignment and that his years in the region held a special place in his life.

“I made beautiful memories and friendships in Western Thrace. I am taking them all with me so that I will never forget them,” Öztürk said, adding that he would always remain connected to the community with love and respect.

Öztürk also thanked his colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that mutual respect and understanding had been maintained despite the challenges encountered during his career.

Addressing the Western Thrace Turkish community in his final remarks, Öztürk wished them success and said: “May your path and fortune be open in your cause. Farewell, and may God protect you.”

Following the reception, Öztürk personally bid farewell to the guests. The event concluded with coffee and tea served to attendees.